Failure to Maintain Clean PTAC Units in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain clean Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) units in seven resident rooms on the third and fourth floors, as evidenced by multiple observations of gray, thick, fuzzy debris on the front dividers of the units and dusty filters. These observations were made over several days in rooms 223, 227, 228, 302, 316, 317, and 323. The facility's policy required environmental surfaces to be cleaned and disinfected according to CDC and OSHA standards, but the PTAC units in these rooms remained visibly soiled during repeated checks. Interviews with the Housekeeping Director and Maintenance Director revealed confusion and lack of clarity regarding responsibility for cleaning the PTAC units. The Housekeeping Director stated that maintenance was responsible, but indicated a plan to coordinate with maintenance in the future. The Maintenance Director, however, stated that the responsibility was not assigned to one person, but expected the Housekeeping Director to ensure cleanliness. This lack of clear assignment contributed to the ongoing presence of debris and dust on the PTAC units.